In the ongoing ATP Masters 1000 in Paris, the competition intensifies as players head into the 1/16-finals. The matchups feature exciting pairings that promise thrilling action on the indoor hard courts.
Daniel Altmaier will face Casper Ruud, who holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage. Altmaier has faced challenges recently, losing three out of his last five matches, including a tough loss to Jannik Sinner in Vienna last week. However, he bounced back with a win against Marcos Giron in straight sets, showcasing a strong serving performance despite losing his serve once. On the other hand, Ruud has been in better form, winning four of his last five matches. Following a retirement in the quarterfinals in Basel against Davidovich Fokina, he seeks redemption in Paris, where he has historically struggled to advance beyond the quarterfinals. Given Ruud’s recent form and ability to dominate with his forehand, he is favored to win this encounter. A promising betting option is Ruud covering a -3.5 games handicap.
Another intriguing matchup pits Felix Auger-Aliassime against Alexandre Muller. Auger-Aliassime has won four of his last five matches, even amidst a mid-match retirement in Basel, while he successfully overcame a set deficit to defeat Comesana in his opening match in Paris. Conversely, Muller has struggled, losing four of his last five matches, though he found success against Nakashima in the first round. The Canadian’s proficiency on indoor hard courts positions him as the favorite in this matchup. Betting enthusiasts might find value in Auger-Aliassime covering a -3.5 games handicap, given his track record.
Lastly, Zizou Bergs takes on the formidable Jannik Sinner in what will be their first meeting. Bergs has won three of his last five matches with a solid victory over Michelsen in his opening match in Paris. Sinner, riding an impressive eight-match winning streak, recently claimed the title in Vienna but also faces concerns about fatigue from a demanding final against Zverev. Historically, Sinner has not performed well in Paris, failing to advance past the third round in previous years. This makes Bergs an interesting underdog, as he aims to keep the match competitive. A suggested bet is Bergs covering a +6.5 games handicap, reflecting his strong start in the tournament.
As these matches unfold, fans can look forward to high-stakes tennis, with players vying for a chance to advance further in one of the year’s most prestigious events. The dynamism and unpredictability of these contests highlight the thrilling nature of professional tennis.